Review by chelhack -- Executive Hoodlum by John Costello
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chelhack
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Review by chelhack -- Executive Hoodlum by John Costello
[Following is a volunteer review of "Executive Hoodlum" by John Costello.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Vice President of a $6 billion semiconductor company, driving a Maserati, nice home, good family and nowadays leading a straight and narrow lifestyle one would believe that John Costello one would think that he came from a middle class family with the privileges as such. With Costello's circle of friends including but not limited to celebrates, military personnel, politics and other types of government officials who would believe that John came from a working class neighborhood on the North side of Chicago, IL and lived a life that was difficult and chaotic. Though John Jr.'s mother was a straight laced Catholic girl and daughter of an Irish policeman; his father happens to be a well known Italian mob affiliate as well as, con man. Therefore contrary to what one may think, from early childhood on into his adult life John Costello Jr.'s life was surrounded by violence, poverty, gang members, murders, suicides, drugs along with being the guy that caught the slack after some of his father's schemes came crashing down. I could not put/this book down. As Costello recounts and delivers his story it will amaze and have you glued to your seats. Also, making this book of what I consider a must read.
Written by John Costello along with author Larry Elders, John is in fact the walking definition of the memoir's title Executive Hoodlum: Negotiating on the Corner of Main and Mean. Though, he is now a while known business man with a grand life that include a high end circle of friends. His life was life was not always such glitter in gold. Due to one of John's father John Costello Sr.'s schemes that has finally ran it's course and John Jr. left to clean it all up. Therefore, beginning this memoir with John telling the story of him preparing and attending a sit-down that he was summoned to by the out-fit guys ( Chicago local underworld members) recollecting of knowing that by attending this intervention his chances of making it back out alive where about 50/50. But, just as in most situation or circumstances that arose in John's life he stood and face this head on as well. Yet, throughout Costello's life time the fact that he was always a god student was one of the positive things that he had going for him as he was the first person in his family to attend as well as graduate from college. He was god in sport and had a good record showing that. John was also had involvement with golden glove boxing which happens to be a good and bad thing together in one. Though in the long run it took getting a college degree to halp John land a position within the semiconductor company. Yet, also in gaining knowledge and experience he was taught in/on street life was a great asset in advancing in the position.
This was a great memoir with amazing stories. Though some events in this book were tragic, sad along with those that could have led to John Costello Jr. becoming incarcerated. I am fond of stories that the underdog turns his life around and become among those of the top dog. I like that this story got my attention from the beginning and did not miss a beat in keeping my interest till the end.
Though, his childhood was sad growing up were sad. There is nothing that I did not like or would change about this memoir.
I think that this book would be a good fit for those who find themselves in a situation similar to John's. Coming from broken homes and subject to abuse, violence, gangs, etc. Also for those who do not think that the can turn their situation around for the better by getting an education. Yet, I also feel that there is something for everyone to gain out of reading this story and I do highly recommend this book to all readers. Especially those who are into stories surrounding the mob/mafia lifestyle.
In conclusion, my rating for Executive Hoodlum: Negotiating on the Corner of Mani and Mean is 4 out of 4-stars. It was well written and it drew me in right from the start. It kept the interesting flow rolling all the way through. On top of being a good story and also sending a positive message that one has the power to overcome their adversaries and be successful in life. Is the reasoning that I feel this book deserves the rating I have given.
******
Executive Hoodlum
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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4 out of 4 stars
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Vice President of a $6 billion semiconductor company, driving a Maserati, nice home, good family and nowadays leading a straight and narrow lifestyle one would believe that John Costello one would think that he came from a middle class family with the privileges as such. With Costello's circle of friends including but not limited to celebrates, military personnel, politics and other types of government officials who would believe that John came from a working class neighborhood on the North side of Chicago, IL and lived a life that was difficult and chaotic. Though John Jr.'s mother was a straight laced Catholic girl and daughter of an Irish policeman; his father happens to be a well known Italian mob affiliate as well as, con man. Therefore contrary to what one may think, from early childhood on into his adult life John Costello Jr.'s life was surrounded by violence, poverty, gang members, murders, suicides, drugs along with being the guy that caught the slack after some of his father's schemes came crashing down. I could not put/this book down. As Costello recounts and delivers his story it will amaze and have you glued to your seats. Also, making this book of what I consider a must read.
Written by John Costello along with author Larry Elders, John is in fact the walking definition of the memoir's title Executive Hoodlum: Negotiating on the Corner of Main and Mean. Though, he is now a while known business man with a grand life that include a high end circle of friends. His life was life was not always such glitter in gold. Due to one of John's father John Costello Sr.'s schemes that has finally ran it's course and John Jr. left to clean it all up. Therefore, beginning this memoir with John telling the story of him preparing and attending a sit-down that he was summoned to by the out-fit guys ( Chicago local underworld members) recollecting of knowing that by attending this intervention his chances of making it back out alive where about 50/50. But, just as in most situation or circumstances that arose in John's life he stood and face this head on as well. Yet, throughout Costello's life time the fact that he was always a god student was one of the positive things that he had going for him as he was the first person in his family to attend as well as graduate from college. He was god in sport and had a good record showing that. John was also had involvement with golden glove boxing which happens to be a good and bad thing together in one. Though in the long run it took getting a college degree to halp John land a position within the semiconductor company. Yet, also in gaining knowledge and experience he was taught in/on street life was a great asset in advancing in the position.
This was a great memoir with amazing stories. Though some events in this book were tragic, sad along with those that could have led to John Costello Jr. becoming incarcerated. I am fond of stories that the underdog turns his life around and become among those of the top dog. I like that this story got my attention from the beginning and did not miss a beat in keeping my interest till the end.
Though, his childhood was sad growing up were sad. There is nothing that I did not like or would change about this memoir.
I think that this book would be a good fit for those who find themselves in a situation similar to John's. Coming from broken homes and subject to abuse, violence, gangs, etc. Also for those who do not think that the can turn their situation around for the better by getting an education. Yet, I also feel that there is something for everyone to gain out of reading this story and I do highly recommend this book to all readers. Especially those who are into stories surrounding the mob/mafia lifestyle.
In conclusion, my rating for Executive Hoodlum: Negotiating on the Corner of Mani and Mean is 4 out of 4-stars. It was well written and it drew me in right from the start. It kept the interesting flow rolling all the way through. On top of being a good story and also sending a positive message that one has the power to overcome their adversaries and be successful in life. Is the reasoning that I feel this book deserves the rating I have given.
******
Executive Hoodlum
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like chelhack's review? Post a comment saying so!
Chelsea N. Hackett
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